The University has failed to block animal rights activists from protesting outside graduation ceremonies after a High Court judge threw out its request for a restraining order.Lawyers acting for the University had tried to create an exclusion zone around the Sheldonian Theatre, arguing that protesters ruined the “peace and quiet” of the ceremonies.However Mr Justice Treacy refuted the claim during the sitting last week, saying that there was no evidence that the protests posed a threat to students.The University was successful in securing an extension of the injunction restraining protest around the new animal testing laboratory. The exclusion zone was expanded by a further 100 metres down Mansfield Road, taking it just past Mansfield College.Mr Justice Treacy said that he was satisfied that once the laboratory was operational, staff and students needed protection from the threats of activists.In the past, animal rights groups have threatened violent attacks against the University.
The judge said, “Unless protected, I am satisfied to a high degree of probability that intimidatory conduct would result from the unrestrained gathering of protesters.”A spokesperson for the University said that extending the exclusion zone around the laboratory was necessary.They said, “We are pleased that the court recognised the need to extend the exclusion zone slightly.
“As an institution deeply committed to freedom of speech, we respect people’s right to protest and to make their views heard within the law.However, we will protect our staff and our students and those working with us from harassment and intimidation while going about their lawful business.“The University remains firmly committed to the completion of a new facility to rehouse animals used in potentially life-saving research. The safety of staff, students and others remains the number one priority.” The new extension comes into effect immediately and covers Speak Campaigns, the Animal Liberation Front, and the Save Newchurch Guinea Pigs Campaign.The injunction also states that protesters should not picket or demonstrate within 100 yards of the residence of any protected person, anywhere in the country. Furthermore, it makes it illegal for a campaigner to try to identify any vehicle entering or leaving the exclusion zone.
The laboratory is expected to come into operation before a full trial examines the University’s concerns at Easter.by Omotola Akerele
Oxford fails to ban Sheldonian protests
